Hands that Serve our Savior

In the course of your marriage have you ever been tempted to feel just a little sorry for yourself? Have you thought if others truly knew the stress or frustrations you endure with your spouse, how they would surely pity you?  Maybe encourage you to escape so that you could find someone more compatible?  Or perhaps you've considered ending your marriage because expectations weren't met and your relationship has only been fraught with disappointments. 

Would you be willing to marry a quadriplegic spouse and covenant before God to love them in sickness and in health? That's what Ken Tada did when he married Joni Eareckson Tada nearly 30 years ago.   And he has never regretted this decision. This evening I picked up the October issue of Tabletalk Magazine and read an article written by Ken Tada.  This article is entitled "Caregiving: a Cause for Christ."  Here is an excerpt:

"Perhaps . . . the secret to good caregiving [is] a constant awareness of one's desperate need of Jesus Christ and a steady reliance on Him day in and day out, like breathing in and breathing out.  The fact is that when I'm serving Joni, I'm serving Christ, for Colossians 3:23 reminds every caregiver, no matter how difficult or demanding the routines:  "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."  When my focus is on Jesus Christ, caregiving may feel extremely tiring, but the work doesn't have to be tiresome.  It's for Him.  I may get weary, but life doesn't have to be wearisome-again, it's all for Him and His glory." 

Aren't these encouraging words from someone who has every "right" to complain about his lot in life?  I pray that as I have opportunity to minister to others as a caregiver, from my daughter to the elderly, that I will keep this in mind and treat them as I would treat my Savior.  May these hands willingly and tenderly serve my Savior through serving others.  Caregiving is a full-time ministry. 

Ken ends his article with this verse:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Mark 10:45